|
Discount Jamaican Cruises
My Travel Agent shares
her secrets!
My interview with Dawn Garvelink, Finding the best Jamaican discount cruises ...Pat/Negril Tour Guide: Tell us a little about what qualifies you as an expert in saving money on cruises. Dawn Garvelink: I've been a travel agent for the past 25 years. During those years I've personally inspected or sailed on over 100 ships. I've traveled as part of a family, as 1/2 of a couple, as a single Mom and as a single person. I've also booked and escorted large groups and corporate incentive travel. Pat/Negril Tour Guide: I know booking early is very important when trying to find the best price. Why is that?
Dawn Garvelink: When the cruise lines first open a cruise for booking, 18 months ahead, they have the greatest amount of inventory available and the prices are very low. So, it's very important to try and book with as much lead as possible and really not later than 6 months ahead. You can also find last minute discounts, but by then the inventory is very picked over and choices are almost non-existent. Within the last 6 months or so, you will pay more and have little or no choice of cabin category, date, itinerary or even ship.Pat/Negril Tour Guide: Traveling off-season can save money but what about the weather? Dawn Garvelink: In Sept. and Oct. I tell my clients to be prepared for an itinerary change due to unpredictable weather. If there is a storm, the cruise lines can easily move the ship out of the way -- change or skip a cruise port -- to keep all safe. This is a good reason to choose the ship and it's available activities as well as the itinerary. From mid-Nov. through mid-Dec. and again for the month just following New Year's the weather in the Caribbean is calm and the bargains abound!
Pat/Negril Tour Guide: What other helpful advise can you share to help find the best discount Jamaican cruises?
Dawn Garvelink:
Two very important things.
1. Be as flexible as possible with your dates and/or choice of ship. 18 months ahead of time, you can be assured of your first choice. To find he best rate, however, I might offer an alternative ship, itinerary or date. I will always give you my reasons for the recommendation and the choice, of course, is always yours. The closer you get to the sailing, the more flexible you will need to be! Remember, we are talking about finding discount Jamaican cruises -- all my advise pertains to finding the very best rate.
2. Be vigilant in watching for specials. Periodically during the booking period for each ship, the cruise line takes inventory of it's ships and makes special offers; like free category upgrades and free ship board spending accounts--credits that can be used to pay for extras aboard ship (shore excursions, drinks, shopping). I am very good at bargain hunting for my clients. Booking cruises daily I am in touch with the special offers as soon as they are released. My clients are always very glad to hear from me whenever I call with specials to save money! Pat/Negril Tour Guide: Thanks, Dawn, for your time and sharing with us! I'm sure my readers will benefit from your experience and I am going to recommend they all call you! cruises! Dawn Garvelink: You're very welcome. I look forward to helping them book the best discount Jamaican cruises ever! Toll Free (800)390-9694
Dawn Garvelink,
Avoya Travel/American Express
Discount Jamaican Cruises -- Back To -- Cheap Jamaica Cruises
|
